How to Suggest a Story to a Newspaper Reporter

Community newspapers thrive on contributions from its readers and the public. Reporters are hungry for a good neighborhood story, especially if it's a scoop over the competition. But your perception of a good idea doesn't always translate into a newsworthy story. The key to seeing your story in the newspaper is to think like a reporter. Sell your story the minute the reporter picks up the phone because she's often juggling several stories at once and may be distracted when you call.

Instructions

Making the Pitch

1. Pick the right beat. Reporters at your local newspaper cover several different areas, including government, education and public safety. Go online to the newspaper's website and find the right reporter for your story, or call the main newsroom number, briefly explain your story and ask for the right reporter.

2. Make it relevant. Reporters are often looking to localize a national story or trend, so tell your story from that perspective. For example, wait until Veterans Day to feature your grandfather's World War II service.

3. Call early in the day. If you call late in the afternoon, the reporter probably will not be listening to you, but typing his story before a deadline. Sometimes reporters are scrounging for stories when they come into work, though, and your call might be just what he needed. If it's a breaking story, though, such as a house fire or shooting, call anytime, so they can post the news online.

4. Be succinct and to the point. Reporters are constantly multitasking and don't want to hear a long-winded story. Give the relevant details at first, and wait for a reporter to ask the questions if he's interested.

5. Be persistent. Unless a reporter gives you an explicit "no," call back and keep asking for coverage. The reporter has to prioritize her story ideas and might not have time for you today. But the squeaky wheel really does get the grease, and a reporter will eventually reward your tenacity.

6. Contact an editor, who has more experience and generally a better news sense, if a reporter sounds less than enthusiastic. Reporters are responsible for developing stories on their beats, but their boss will assign stories, too.

7. Write an email. If you don't think you can express yourself well over the phone, you can cover all of the important points in an email. Write a fact sheet that a reporter can quickly scan and decide if it's newsworthy. Include the names and phone numbers of several people they can contact. Put a catchy subject to the email, so the reporter doesn't automatically delete your message.

8. Sell your story, but don't over dramatize the significance. Promising a reporter "this is huge" or "you'll get a lot of awards" for her work is only a turn-off.

References

• Smash Hits: How To Sell Your News to a Reporter